High Fidelity

High Fidelity is a modern retelling of Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel by the same name, which has been previously adapted into a 2000 film starring John Cusack, but this time, the Hulu series takes a different approach. Instead of a male lead, as done in earlier renditions, the 2020 series features a female protagonist, Zoe Kravitz, as Robyn 'Rob' Brooks.

High Fidelity is set amidst the bustling life of New York City, more specifically in the hip neighborhood of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It brings onscreen a distinct blend of music, romance, heartbreak, with an added mix of humor and drama, establishing the series as a riveting dramedy. The lead character, 'Rob', played incredibly by Kravitz, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, owns a record store in the city. Along with her employees and friends, Cherise and Simon, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph and David H. Holmes, respectively, Rob navigates her past relationships, her present love life, and her passion for music.

A noteworthy aspect of the series is its focus on the music. The series goes the extra mile to keep music as an integral part of the narrative, rather than a mere backdrop. This makes High Fidelity an indulgence for music lovers. The series features a diverse range of tracks, seamlessly shifting from punk to soul, from hip-hop to classic rock, thereby successfully representing the inclusive nature of music.

The story is told from Rob’s perspective, embodying a wide array of human emotions. Rob often breaks the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience, a narrative choice providing further insight into her thoughts and feelings. It's through these moments that we come closer to understanding her character, her struggles, her motivations, and her love for vinyl records.

The series is imbued with modern authenticity, especially through Zoe Kravitz’s performance as Rob. Rob is portrayed as a strong, male-stereotype-subverting character who grapples with her love life in a candid and often self-deprecating manner. She is a representative of the complex nature of modern relationships, a woman finding her way through love and life with her past, being her most formidable opponent.

Rob’s friends and employees, Simon and Cherise, also mirror her struggles in their unique ways, providing more depth to the proceedings. Simon, for instance, handles gay relationships while Cherise is seen dreaming of making music, rather than just selling it. They offer a different viewpoint on music, love, and relationships, contributing to the story's richness.

The series is peppered with guest stars, from Parker Posey as a pretentious art collector to Debbie Harry in a cameo, and even a memorable appearance by Kravitz’s real-life mother Lisa Bonet.

The series not only offers a sound analogy of relationships and love but it also paints a vivid picture of the musical landscape of New York. Moreover, the strong performances by its well-rounded characters, poignant storytelling and brilliant incorporation of music into its plot makes High Fidelity a gripping watch. Rob's heartaches, her unrequited love, her regret, her passion for music, all resonate with a broad spectrum of audience, making it an excellent choice for those who love stories that traverse the contours of human emotions through the lens of music and life.

Hulu’s High Fidelity is poetic, realistic and deeply engaging. It presents an impressive blend of elements that make for a great dramedy – a well-adapted storyline, fantastic performances, unorthodox narrative approach, and above all, a fantastic score. This is a show that not only tells a cool, modern NYC story but also dishes out beautiful melodies for both the casual listener and the hard-core music lover. Indeed, High Fidelity is indeed a high note in Hulu's catalog.